Tornado Warning Alert Tests Scheduled

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana is this week and, as part of it, a test of the Emergency Alert System will be held Wednesday, March 27.

The EAS tests will occur in all area communities between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and again between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow. The test will be broadcast on commercial radio, television networks and all hazards radios across the state.

Spring brings the threat of severe weather. Historically, some of Indiana’s most catastrophic weather incidents have occurred during these months.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages all Hoosiers to take the time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding which commonly accompany springtime in Indiana.

Be alert to developing weather situations with an all hazards radio, and have a plan in case you need to leave your home quickly.

Always have enough food, water, medicine and other supplies to sustain you and your household for at least three days.

Remember, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance.

Also, to help you stay alerted to severe weather threats, download the free smartphone app available from the American Red Cross. The Tornado App will alert you to tornado warnings in your area with a siren alert. Because many tornadoes occur in the overnight hours, the audible siren alert can save lives.

The app will also give an “All Clear!” alert when it is safe again.

The Tornado app puts everything you need to know and prepare for a tornado in the palm of your hand, including information on location-based shelters operated by the Red Cross, and its Toolkit offers a strobe light, flashlight and audible alert function so you can be found in the event of an emergency.

To get the free app, call **REDCROSS (**73327677) from your mobile phone and you will receive a link to download the app to your phone. You can also download it directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

The free app is available in English and Spanish and is for the iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users.